Purpose: Ball players should be filthy after sliding and diving and those “wisks” around the base. Sliding head first is tough skill to learn but still can be taught.

Procedure: you’ll be needing throw-down bases. Wisk detergent can clean the dirtiest of uniforms.The day before playing wisk tell kids to wear uniform, pants, sweats or old jeans. this activity is best suited without shoes. Start with one giant line of people (standing on the foul line). Have a starting signal. Include five sliding stations.

First, use a per leader to demonstrate each of the five slides 1) straight leg but arms down to avoid the tag. 2) pop-up, 3) hook with either leg, 4) head first, and 5) slide past the bag and reach around to touch it. Second, have the kids perform each bent-leg slide (leg out front) as a group by only taking a few steps and then sliding. Focus on technique rather than speed. Fourth, take a full sprint towards the instructor some distance away. After a sprint, simply turn around and face the other direction. Start off in the stealing position. Fifth,have a sliding contest. Award a prize for the best slide or give a round of applause to the dirtiest person. On that hot summer day, hose down the water slide mat to practice head first dives.

Procedure: Prepare three loose bases. Place three bases spaced at least 10 feet apart in a grassy area out in foul territory. Divide players into three lines, one line 45 to 60 feet behind each base. Players should not wear cleats for this drill. (This is a safety precaution.} On the coach’s command, the first player in each line runs and slides into the base. After sliding, the player returns to the end of the line, and the next person in line slides.

When players slide, they must not start the slide too early or too late- depending on their age and size, players should begin the slide when they are about three to five feet from the base.

Players should lift their hands over their heads when sliding to prevent hand injuries.

On the slide, the trail leg bends dramatically 45 degrees or even more while the lead leg bends slightly.

Variations:

Use large sliding mats for indoor practices. Put down a plastic or vinyl tarp on the outfield grass, water it thoroughly, and let the kids take off their shoes and slide on it. These steps reduce the chances of injury, Players slide a long way so that coaches can get a good look at technique, and the players have a great time.